Whispers Before the Ball
Morning Light in the Capital
The morning light was slowly spreading across the entire Capital. The air was a bit chilly, but filled with a new sense of hope and freshness. Royal guards stood at every corner in position, each step silent and focused, as if today was going to unveil a secret. The Capital gate was under tighter security than usual—every vehicle and person was being checked thoroughly.
In that line, a man asks the person next to him:
> "Why is it so strict today?"
The man next to him replies:
> "Heard there's a big party in the Capital today, and the 7th Prince is arriving too. That's why all this extra security."
Near the Capital gate stood two warriors. One was Sergeant Darius and with him was Scout Helen. Helen looked a bit bored:
> "This is such a boring task," she said.
Darius glared at her and said:
> "It's the Captain's order. We have to do our job with full focus. We can't afford any complaints."
---
Marin in the Capital Streets
Meanwhile, Marin was walking through the cobblestone alleys of the Capital, a slight restlessness on her face. Suddenly, her eyes fell on a candy stall. Seeing the candy, she thought of Lucain for a moment. Some memories began to swirl in her mind again, and her heart began to beat a little faster. Marin said to herself:
> "Lucain must still be in the Capital."
Trying to hide her slight blush, she shook her head and slapped her own neck. She said to herself:
> "Focus, Marin, this isn't the time to think like that."
The people around her looked surprised. Their faces were filled with confusion, but no one said anything.
Just then, Captain Caldrick waved his hand in the air and approached her. He asked Marin:
> "How are you, Marin?"
Marin looked at him quietly and said in a soft voice:
> "Good morning, Captain. Patrolling is going fine."
Captain Caldrick stepped closer, placed a hand on her head, and said:
> "Is something bothering you, Marin? You seem different today."
Marin stayed silent for a moment, then replied softly:
> "Everything is fine, Captain. I'm heading to the record hall for duty. Just need to stay focused."
Caldrick smiled a little, placed his hand on her head again and said:
> "Stay happy, Marin. Don't worry, just keep your focus."
---
At the Record Hall
Marin enters the record hall and sees a guard standing there. She says to him:
> "I'll handle duty here. You may leave."
The guard looks at her quietly, then hands over his spear and says:
> "Alright, ma'am," and walks away.
---
Lady Marianne's Mystery Letter
Inside the Record Hall, Lady Marianne was seated at her desk. In her hand was a golden-sealed letter. She slowly opened the letter and began to read. After reading it, a mystical smile appeared on her face. She pulled out an invitation card from the drawer and thought:
> "I should get ready, today is a special day."
Lady Marianne put the letter back in the drawer and concealed her work, her eyes holding a secret. With a smile on her face, she thought:
> "Today might be the beginning of something new."
---
At Rosehwal Mansion
Inside the Rosehwal Mansion, everyone was seated at the dining table. The atmosphere was completely quiet. Suddenly, Clearia excitedly said:
> "I'm so excited for the party! It's going to be so much fun!"
Then she looked at Lucain and said teasingly:
> "What do you think, Dr.? How will the party be?"
Lucain looked at her and said with slight sarcasm:
> "Honestly, I don't find it particularly interesting."
Clearia smiled at him and said:
> "Dr., you're really so boring!"
Lucain replied with a slight smile:
> "Things aren't always as boring as they seem. Try it once, you might actually enjoy it."
Meanwhile, Sophia arrived with breakfast and started placing dishes on the table for everyone. Then everyone began eating.
Lord Gregory got up from his seat and said:
> "Alright, I have some work. You all enjoy."
Then he headed straight to his study room.
---
Lucain and Clearia's Conversation
After that, Lucain relaxed and said:
> "Alright, I guess I should read a book too."
Clearia teased him, saying:
> "Dr., how do you manage such boring things? Always herbs, always books… nothing exciting!"
Lucain replied with a soft smile:
> "Things aren't always as boring as they seem. Try it once, it might be fun."
Clearia stood up and said:
> "Alright, I'll go get my dress ready."
---
Clearia Getting Ready
Then she went to her room, looked at her dress and happily said:
> "Dress done, jewelry done, heels done. Now I'm ready. Just waiting for evening now!"
She looked at her golden embroidered red dress and happily said:
> "Absolutely perfect! Now I'm ready for the party!"
---
Letter Arrival at the Mansion
Lucain was relaxing in his room, reading a book. Just then, a carriage stopped outside the mansion. A guard stepped out, and Sophia arrived there to take a letter from him.
Looking at the letter, she walked straight to Lord Gregory's study room. She knocked on the door.
Lord Gregory called out from inside:
> "Come in."
Then Sophia handed him the letter. Lord Gregory looked at the letter, which was gold-sealed. He looked a bit confused and said:
> "Alright, you may go now."
Sophia walked out.
Lord Gregory opened the letter and read it. As he read, his face showed a strange confusion. He took a deep breath and said:
> "Alright then, what can I say now?"
Then he returned to his work.
---
Evening Preparations
Slowly the sun began to set, and beggars started appearing on the streets of the Capital. Lucain, wearing his midnight black long coat, stood ready. Just then, Lord Gregory came to him and said:
> "Wow, this looks really good on you!"
Lucain smiled slightly and said:
> "You look good too."
Then Sophia, wearing her burgundy formal robe, came there. Lucain looked at her and said:
> "Sophia, you're looking quite elegant in that."
Sophia blushed a little and said:
> "Thank you, Dr."
Then Clearia arrived, wearing her sky blue off-shoulder gown—the fabric flowed gracefully to her ankles and had delicate silver embroidery in vine and flower patterns. She came into the hall, spun around, and asked:
> "How do I look?"
Lucain teasingly replied:
> "Ma'am, who are you?"
Clearia made a fist and said:
> "Hehehe, very funny!"
Everyone laughed. Then Sophia said:
> "Clearia, you truly look beautiful! Everyone at the party will have their eyes on you, just wait and watch!"
Clearia laughed and said:
> "Watch, I'll make everyone fall for my style!"
---
The Royal Carriage – Party Begins
Then everyone got ready to leave, and Lord Gregory said:
> "You all go ahead, I'll meet you there."
Then the three of them got into the royal carriage, which slowly began to move.
---
Lord Gregory's Visit to Evilna
Inside the mansion, Lord Gregory went to Evilna's room. Evilna was sitting on the bed, looking out the window at the carriage leaving. Lord Gregory approached her and asked:
> "Dear, how are you feeling now?"
Evilna looked at him and said:
> "I'm feeling much better now."
Lord Gregory sat beside her bed and said:
> "You should go to the party, Evilna."
Evilna thought for a moment and said:
> "Yes, I think I should go now."
Lord Gregory smiled and left the room.
---
TO BE CONTINUED…